How to Interview for Graduate School

Deciding to attend graduate school is one of the most important choices a person can ever make. Graduate school is a time for intense study in an environment that can be refreshing and enjoyable. Since an interview may be a requirement for your admittance to graduate school, you must prepare to ace that crucial first step.

Things You'll Need

• Professional attire
• Copies of application materials

Instructions

1. Dress in professional attire, particularly in darker, more conservative colors. Make sure, however, that you will be comfortable in what you wear. A graduate school interview can last all day.

2. Bring a copy of the materials you submitted for your application, including your GRE scores, transcripts and purpose statement.

3. Articulate your reasons for applying to the graduate program. For example, have reasons that relate to the faculty, the courses offered and the available research opportunities.

4. Mention some of the research being conducted by the current faculty. Pinpoint a few key people who are doing work that interests you.

5. Convey pride when discussing your experiences and accomplishments. This is not the time to be overly humble about what you have done.

6. Not everyone you meet will know how to conduct a proper interview. For instance, upper-level administrators or graduate students may ask strange or inappropriate questions. Keep your cool and be prepared for just about any type of question.

7. Send a thank-you note to each person you talked with. This gesture can help to further illustrate your interest in the program.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask current graduate students about their experiences with and impressions of the graduate program. Students may be more candid with you if the faculty members are not around. Speak to the school's alumni as well.

• Not all graduate school programs require interviews for admittance. Check with the graduate director for specific application requirements. The more competitive programs will likely require interviews.

• Do not go into your interview without completing adequate research on the program or department. Inadequate knowledge of the program of study may make you appear incompetent and uninterested.